Kaposi sarcoma in patients living with HIV in Equatorial Guinea

Abstract

Introduction: Kaposi sarcoma is an opportunistic neoplasm associated to the immunosuppression caused by HIV and related to infection by HHV-8.

Objective: Describe the presentation of Kaposi sarcoma in people living with HIV in Equatorial Guinea.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to identify the prevalence and the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Kaposi sarcoma in people living with HIV attending reference units for the management of cases in Equatorial Guinea. A review was carried out of the medical records of a random sample representative of 338 patients from the group receiving treatment at Bata reference unit for infectious diseases from January 2007 to February 2012.

Results: A total 40 patients diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma were identified (prevalence of 11,83%). Mean age at Kaposi sarcoma diagnosis was 43 years, with a 1/1 sex ratio. The mean CD4 lymphocyte count at diagnosis was 166 (range 21-375), whereas the frequency of oral damage was 45%. In most patients (94.6%) detection of Kaposi sarcoma was prior to the start of antiretroviral therapy. CD4 T lymphocyte levels / mm³ below 100 were mainly found in patients aged under 30 years, a fact particularly frequent among women (OR 11, p< 0.04, CI 95% 0.8-148).

Conclusions: Kaposi sarcoma is a neoplasm prevailing in people living with HIV who attend reference units in Equatorial Guinea. Late diagnosis could exist among women aged under 30 years.